6 Lakers who could get axed from Darvin Ham's playoff rotation
By Tyler Watts
5. Max Christie
The 21-year-old has played in 19 of the Lakers' last 20 games, but his minutes have been inconsistent. He has received over 20 minutes three times and under seven on eight occasions. Christie is averaging just 3.2 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 9.7 minutes per game over that stretch.
The 6’6 wing is likely the first person cut from Ham’s postseason rotation. He played 33 playoff minutes last season as a rookie but was limited to strictly mop-up duty. Christie hoped for more in year two, but it does not appear to be on the horizon.
He will be axed when Jarred Vanderbilt returns from his foot injury, if not before. Christie is not ready for postseason minutes. He has a negative value over replacement player (VORP), and the Lakers have a negative-1.2 net rating when the second-year pro is on the floor. The 21-year-old still has time to blossom, but he should not play a significant role when the games matter most.
Cutting Jaxson Hayes and Max Christie are no-brainer decisions for Darvin Ham, but the remaining moves are not so clear cut. The addition of Spencer Dinwiddie in the buyout market made the coach’s job more difficult. The Lakers will have to cut multiple talented players, including a few that may surprise.